AFC Telford United will launch their bid for Blue Square North glory with a tough-looking trip to beaten play-off finalists Stalybridge Celtic.
The Bucks, who were themselves defeated in the play-off semi-finals by eventual winners Barrow, must make the journey to Bower Fold on Saturday, August 9.
The first home game of the season will be on Tuesday, August 12, when Hinckley are the visitors to the New Bucks Head - and they entertain Blyth Spartans the following Saturday.
Fans also have a mouth-watering festive double header with Steve Bull’s Stafford Rangers to look forward to - though club officials had actually been hoping to face Solihull Moors instead in order to reduce policing costs.
The Bucks must travel to Marston Road on Boxing Day, with the return fixture scheduled for New Year’s Day.
Telford once again have a potentially tricky run-in, with an away game at much-fancied Southport and a home clash with full-time Tamworth to conclude the campaign.
“I think it’s a great game to start with,” said boss Rob Smith, who was back to work today after returning from a holiday in Switzerland.
“I’m quite happy about that because we’ll take an absolute army up there and if we can get off to a winning start at somewhere like that - which I know we can - then it would be brilliant.
“Hinckley will be a tough game, too. They had a poor season but they’ll be strong this time because they’ve made some good signings.
“I’ll be looking to get four points from the first two games.”
Smith is looking forward to the Christmas clashes with Stafford - who are one of his former clubs.
“We’ve got to go to Southport, but our run-in as a whole is nowhere near as bad as it was this year,” he added.
By Chris Hudson
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